Coleman Gets 7-Game Suspension

NEW YORK —  Vince Coleman of the St. Louis Cardinals was suspended for seven games Thursday, a day after he bumped umpire Ed Montague during an argument.

Coleman’s suspension is effective today. National League President Bill White also fined Coleman an undisclosed amount.

White ruled Coleman hit Montague in the nose with the bill of his batting helmet and opened a cut as they argued face to face. Coleman continued to use profanity and delayed Wednesday’s game in San Francisco, White said.

The dispute began after Montague called out Coleman on a steal attempt in the sixth inning. Coleman was ejected.

“I don’t feel good about it,” Coleman said. “If you look at it rationally, you know I wasn’t trying to butt him in the head.

“He reacted as if he wanted to fight. I think there should be a $500 fine for the both of us and call it even,” he said.